If you love Sam Edelman's fashion-forward aesthetic of trendy loafers, ballet flats, and statement heels but find yourself curious about what else is out there, you're in good company. While Sam Edelman delivers Instagram-worthy styles at accessible prices, the footwear world is full of emerging brands and heritage makers offering fresh takes on trendy shoes—including European artisans and indie labels that bring unique craftsmanship and sustainability stories to the table.
Don't get us wrong. Sam Edelman has plenty of great styles that are worth checking out. But if you're shopping around and exploring your options, there's a compelling case to be made for these alternative brands too.
Want to explore Sam Edelman outfits and products on Parallel?
Key Insights
- The sustainable fashion movement is elevating on-demand and small-batch production brands
- European craftsmanship from Spain, Portugal, and Italy offers distinct quality at similar prices
- Montreal and indie brands disrupt traditional retail with radical price transparency
- Heritage European brands provide decades of shoemaking expertise with modern design
- Ethical production and traceable supply chains matter as much as style for conscious consumers
Why explore brands similar to Sam Edelman?
More variety: Sam Edelman has a signature aesthetic; these alternatives offer different design perspectives from Spanish minimalism to Swedish modernism.
Different price points: From Pompeii's budget-friendly $120 options to Dear Frances' investment pieces at $400, you'll find quality at various price levels.
Production transparency: Brands like Maguire and Nisolo show exactly where shoes are made and who makes them—appealing if you value knowing your supply chain.
Sustainable practices: On-demand production (Alohas), certified B-Corp status (Nisolo), and local European manufacturing reduce environmental impact.
Fresh perspectives: Discover emerging designers and heritage brands bringing new energy to classic silhouettes.
Quick Comparison At-A-Glance
| Brand | Price Range | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alohas | $150-$250 | On-demand sustainability | Spanish minimalism |
| Maguire | $150-$220 | Price transparency | Montreal craftsmanship |
| Pompeii | $120-$140 | Casual lifestyle | Spanish streetwear |
| Vagabond | $140-$200 | Scandinavian design | Swedish modernism |
| Sézane | $180-$250 | Parisian style | French chic |
| Nisolo | $150-$220 | Ethical production | Modern classic |
| Dear Frances | $250-$750 | Investment luxury | British elegance |
Top Sam Edelman Alternatives
Alohas - The Sustainable Spanish Innovator
Price: $150-$250
Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers who want trendy styles with sustainability built in
Why it works: Alohas brings a refreshing approach to trendy footwear with its pioneering on-demand production model. Barcelona-designed shoes are created only after orders are placed, eliminating overproduction waste. Each pair is handcrafted by local artisans in Alicante, Spain, using premium Spanish leather and Portuguese craftsmanship. Their pre-order system offers 30% off, making European-made shoes accessible at prices comparable to Sam Edelman.
Founded in 2015, Alohas combines trendy silhouettes with timeless Mediterranean design. The made-to-order timeline (4-6 weeks) means you're getting shoes crafted specifically for your order rather than mass-produced inventory.
Must-try: Sway Ballet Flats ($190) - The square-toe design became a TikTok sensation, offering a fresh take on ballet flats with guaranteed European craftsmanship. Perfect for anyone who loves Sam Edelman's trendy aesthetic but wants to explore sustainable alternatives.
Maguire Shoes - The Transparent Pricing Pioneer
Price: $150-$220
Best for: Shoppers who appreciate knowing exactly where their money goes
Why it works: Maguire was founded by Montreal sisters Myriam and Romy with a mission to make high-quality shoes more accessible through radical pricing transparency. They manufacture in the same Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian factories as luxury brands but eliminate middleman markups, offering prices 30-40% lower than traditional retail. Their website breaks down exactly where your money goes—a refreshing level of transparency.
Winner of the 2022 CAFA Emerging Talent Award for Accessories, Maguire stores feature an innovative layout where every size of every style is available on the floor for easy try-ons. Their direct-to-consumer approach keeps quality high and prices fair.
Must-try: Neiva Black Tumble Mary Jane ($193) - Step back to the ‘90s with this stylish Mary Jane shoe handcrafted in Fornos, Portugal. These deliver Montreal design sensibility with European craftsmanship, offering a different aesthetic angle than Sam Edelman's trendy styles.
Pompeii - The Spanish Lifestyle Brand
Price: $120-$140
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want quality Spanish-made footwear
Why it works: Pompeii started in Madrid in 2014 when four university friends began selling shoes from a van, building a lifestyle brand around the concept of "walking"—constant movement of soul, body, and mind. Now producing 70,000+ units annually, they've maintained their commitment to Spanish and Portuguese manufacturing with transparent, ethical practices.
Pompeii shoes feature vulcanized rubber soles for durability and water-repellent split leather backed by Leather Working Group certification. Their casual-formal hybrid aesthetic straddles streetwear and refined style, offering a more laid-back alternative to Sam Edelman's polished looks.
Must-try: Elan Sneakers ($197) - Inspired by the classic basketball sneakers of the 1980s, this sneaker combines retro style with contemporary comfort. A great option if you're drawn to casual-chic styles at accessible prices.
Vagabond - The Swedish Heritage Brand
Price: $140-$200
Best for: Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with proven longevity
Why it works: Vagabond has been crafting shoes since 1973, building on Swedish design principles of simplicity, functionality, and sustainability. Their minimalist aesthetic offers a different design perspective than Sam Edelman's feminine, trend-forward styles—think clean lines, architectural shapes, and neutral palettes that work across seasons.
Vagabond prioritizes sustainably made classics that transcend trends. Their square-toe ankle boots, chunky loafers, and Mary Janes feature premium leathers that develop character over time. It's a more understated approach that appeals to minimalist dressers.
Must-try: Vagabond Mary Janes ($190) - Swedish design with a square toe and substantial sole that captures current trends through a Scandinavian lens. Available in bold colors and classic neutrals for different style preferences.
Sézane - The Parisian Essentials
Price: $180-$250
Best for: French-inspired elegance with effortless styling
Why it works: Sézane captures that effortless Parisian aesthetic beloved by fashion editors worldwide. Founded by Morgane Sézalory, the brand has become synonymous with wearable French style—shoes that look polished without trying too hard. Each collection features timeless designs in premium leathers with thoughtful construction details.
Sézane's direct-to-consumer model keeps prices reasonable for European craftsmanship. While Sam Edelman brings American glamour, Sézane offers French understatement—a different but equally appealing aesthetic for those who prefer subtle sophistication.
Must-try: Sézane Albane Loafers ($230) - Handcrafted leather loafers that embody Parisian style with versatile styling potential. The classic design works across dressy and casual looks, offering longevity beyond seasonal trends.
Nisolo - The Ethical Craftsman
Price: $150-$220
Best for: Conscious consumers who prioritize ethical production
Why it works: Nisolo is a Certified B-Corporation producing shoes in Peru and Mexico with guaranteed living wages and safe working conditions. Their leather sourcing is completely traceable, and each shoe is bench-crafted by artisans paid 2-3x the local minimum wage. For shoppers who care about the story behind their shoes, Nisolo offers unparalleled transparency.
The designs are modern classics with clean lines and quality materials. While Sam Edelman focuses on trend-driven styles, Nisolo creates shoes designed to last and remain relevant season after season, backed by a commitment to repair and resole services.
Must-try: Nisolo Mira Fisherman Sandal ($198) - Full-grain leather with cushioned insoles and handcrafted construction. These deliver polished style with complete supply chain transparency—appealing if ethical production is a priority.
Dear Frances - The Investment Piece
Price: $250-$750
Best for: Shoppers seeking luxury quality with timeless design
Why it works: Dear Frances represents slow fashion and investment dressing. Founded in London with production in Italy, each pair is handcrafted using traditional methods and premium materials. The price point is higher than Sam Edelman, but these are shoes designed to last decades with proper care—true investment pieces.
Dear Frances has built a following among fashion editors who need reliable luxury. Their signature styles like the Spirit Boot have become modern classics, offering elevated design for those ready to invest in footwear that transcends trends.
Must-try: Dear Frances Harlie Boot ($750) - This sleek foundational boot is handcrafted in Italy in chocolate nappa leather for an enveloping fit. Refined with a round toe and low cylindrical heel. For shoppers interested in building a long-term wardrobe with investment pieces that offer different styling versatility than trend-driven options.
Quick Categories By Shopping Priority
Best for Sustainability: Alohas - On-demand production eliminates waste; Barcelona design with Spanish craftsmanship
Best Price Transparency: Maguire - Montreal sisters showing exactly where your money goes with factory-level openness
Best Budget Option: Pompeii - Spanish lifestyle quality starting at $120 with ethical manufacturing
Best Heritage: Vagabond - Swedish minimalism with 50+ years of shoemaking expertise
Best Ethical Production: Nisolo - Certified B-Corp with living wages and traceable supply chains
Best Parisian Style: Sézane - French effortlessness with European craftsmanship
Best Investment: Dear Frances - British luxury handmade in Italy for decade-long wear
Why Explore Beyond Sam Edelman?
Sam Edelman offers accessible trendy styles that work well for many shoppers. However, the footwear landscape has expanded dramatically with brands offering different value propositions—from on-demand sustainability to radical pricing transparency to century-old craftsmanship.
These alternatives provide:
- Different design perspectives: Spanish minimalism, Swedish modernism, Parisian elegance—each brings unique aesthetics
- Varied production methods: On-demand, small-batch, heritage craftsmanship offer alternatives to mass production
- Transparency options: Some shoppers want to know exactly where shoes are made and by whom
- Price variety: From $120 budget options to $400 investment pieces, different quality tiers serve different needs
- Sustainability focus: Certified B-Corps, on-demand models, and local European production appeal to eco-conscious consumers
Exploring alternatives doesn't mean Sam Edelman isn't great—it means the market offers more choices than ever for different priorities and preferences.
The real value? Finding brands that align with your specific priorities, whether that's ethical production, European artisanship, or investment-quality construction that lasts years instead of seasons.
Why shop these brands on Parallel?
Parallel aggregates these emerging and heritage footwear brands in one searchable platform, letting you compare prices, read authentic reviews, and discover styles you won't find in traditional department stores. Filter by price range, production location, or sustainability certifications. Save favorites to your wishlist. Get personalized size recommendations based on your measurements.
Most importantly, Parallel connects you directly with brands committed to transparency—whether that's Alohas showing you their Alicante workshops, Maguire breaking down exactly where your $185 goes, or Nisolo introducing you to the Peruvian artisans who handcraft each pair. You're not just buying shoes; you're supporting production models that challenge fast fashion's wasteful status quo.
Start exploring
Browse the full collection of Sam Edelman alternatives on Parallel, compare across brands, and find your next favorite pair—backed by the same European craftsmanship luxury brands use, at prices that make sense.
Join Parallel Today
Create a Free AccountFrequently Asked Questions
How do these alternatives compare to Sam Edelman's style?
Each brand offers a distinct aesthetic perspective. Alohas brings Barcelona minimalism, Vagabond delivers Swedish modernism, and Sézane captures Parisian elegance—all different from Sam Edelman's American glamour. The variety lets you explore styles that might resonate differently. Some are more minimal, others more heritage-focused, giving you options to match your personal aesthetic preferences.
Are these brands more expensive than Sam Edelman?
Price ranges overlap significantly. Pompeii ($120-140) comes in below Sam Edelman's typical range, while Maguire ($150-220) and Nisolo ($150-220) sit right in the same zone. Sézane and Alohas ($180-250) trend slightly higher. Dear Frances ($250-400) represents investment luxury. You'll find options at various price points depending on what you're seeking.
How do sizing and fit compare?
Most alternatives run true to size with detailed sizing guides. Alohas and European brands use EU sizing with conversion charts. Maguire offers fit notes from testers with different foot shapes. Pompeii tends true to size with standard width. Each brand provides specific sizing recommendations, and many offer half sizes for better fit accuracy.
Which brand is best for sustainable shopping?
Alohas leads with on-demand production that eliminates overproduction waste. Nisolo offers certified B-Corp status with complete supply chain transparency and living wages. Pompeii uses Leather Working Group certified materials and recycled components. Vagabond prioritizes sustainable materials and long-lasting design. Each approaches sustainability differently based on different priorities.
Can I find these brands in stores or are they online-only?
Availability varies. Maguire has physical stores in Montreal, Toronto, and New York. Vagabond is widely available at retailers. Sézane has boutiques in major cities. Alohas is primarily online with occasional pop-ups. Nisolo operates stores in Nashville and Austin plus online. Dear Frances is mostly online. Each brand's website lists current retail locations and stockists.
